Todd Online

Date- September 17, 2009

A.M. Announcements
•    First informational Book Club meeting will be held tomorrow from 2:30-3:00 in the Library
•    Mathcounts will meet in Room 13 tonight from 7:00-8:30
•    Peer mediation applications are available in the guidance office.  There will be an informational meeting for current peer mediator and anyone interested in learning more about the club on Monday, September 21st at 2:30 in the dining hall.  Please sign up during lunch.
•    Peer mediation applications are due back to guidance by Friday, September 25th by 8:00 a.m.
•    Todd PTA Directory forms are due back tomorrow.
•    Ms. McCabe’s class please report to the library today for class

Today’s Breakfast – Whole grain cereal and ½ wheat bagel, fruit and chilled milk
Today’s lunch- Twin taco, vegetable & fruit

March 26, 2009

Dear Eighth grade foreign language students and parents,

Thank you so much for your participation in the 2009 Multicultural Dinner.  This annual dinner was such a great success because of your support and kind generosity.  Spackenkill Schools are a melting pot of many cultures and it was wonderful to have so many represented at our dinner.  There were dishes representing five continents and dozens of countries.  People enthusiastically sampled foods that were completely unknown to them and we were bombarded with requests for recipes.  So, in the spirit of cooperation, promoting cultural diversity and the joy of cooking (and eating), we ask that you share the recipe for your contribution (or any other you think we would enjoy).  We will compile your entries into a multicultural cookbook and distribute it to all eighth grade students and their families as a reminder that everyone, no matter where they’re from, has so much to share.

Please send in your recipe ASAP.  Be sure to include the name, origin and a brief description.     Thanks again for your continued support!

Muchas gracias, merci, Grazie, Dankie, Hvala, Tak, Go raibh maith agat, Arigato, xie xie, Obrigado, Dzie, kuje, Spasibo, Danke, Koszonom, Asante,

TODD MIDDLE SCHOOL
SITE BASE MEETING
February 25th, 2009

ATTENDEES:  Steven Malkischer, Kristin Talleyrand, Meg Banks,
Holly Fashona, Tom Grega, Mary Gugumuck, Susan
McBride, Tom Mulvihill, Dawn Nedin, Mary-Nel
Palumbo, Erin Shields

School to Watch
Mr. Malkischer did a power point presentation showing graphs made from all the data compiled from the Social Equity survey questions answered by staff/teachers, parents and students.  We reviewed each question and quickly discussed some of the questions that seemed to be askew.  Mr. Malkischer will e-mail the Site-Base Team the power point presentation, so each team member can carefully review each question.  At the next meeting, we will discuss in more detail what areas the team feels needs to be addressed and how they will be addressed.  Mr. Malkischer would like to set up another on-line survey before the end of the year for one of the other two School to Watch criterias which are academically excellent and developmentally responsive.  With the help of KarenVitek, Mr. Malkischer now has the Site Base Team Blog up and running.

The next meeting is March 18th, 2009 at 2:30pm.

As you may have seen, Spackenkill made the news yesterday with reports about the District’s financial operations. Since you may hear conversations in the community about the report and resulting news articles, I thought I would share with you some of my views on the highlights.

How Spackenkill will use the report? The Comptroller’s report is very useful in pointing out opportunities for Spackenkill to improve internal procedures related to fiscal operations. These procedures involve who does what in the business office, and in what sequence. Most of the comments concerning fiscal operations relate to actions being taken out of sequence, or actions that were taken but not documented. In some instances, functions were performed by the “wrong” people in the business office. As reports indicate, the business office had corrected a majority of issues raised before the report was issued. Some recommendations will require staff training that will take place over time and on a continuous basis. Others call for a realignment of staff roles in the business office, and these changes will be recommended to the Board of Education for the 2009-10 school year. In summary, the report includes useful recommendations and the District has either acted or plans to act on all recommendations.

Are taxpayer / district assets being used properly? With the exception of a $19 error, there were no misappropriations of funds actually uncovered during the course of the audit. To put this in some perspective, the audit covered 17 months of financial transactions for an organization with revised budgeted expenditures for 2006-07 of $31.9 Million. The Comptroller’s review of Spackenkill’s fiscal operations lasted over a year, suggesting it was rather thorough.

What about the separation payments of $17,839 to two employees? The Comptroller correctly points out that there were no provisions to pay this amount to these employees as separation payments. While true, the Comptroller doesn’t say that the District owed the money to these employees. These employees had contracts that permitted them to work during vacation periods and accumulate vacation time for later use. When they retired, they had accumulated a significant number of vacation days and could have simply stopped working when they did and gone on vacation before they actually retired. There would have been no difference in the number of days they actually worked for the District or the amount of pay they received.

Can the District really save $30,000 by printing checks in-house? No. The District simply disagrees with the Comptroller’s cost analysis because it includes only the cost of checks and a printer. It does not include software, staff training, staff time, trouble-shooting and support, or transition costs. It also ignores the fact that payments for payroll must be produced on time, every time, and without error, which it has in the past. By using BOCES to print checks, the District brings greater resources and “back-up” options that are simply not available in-house. The Comptroller analysis also ignores the amount of BOCES aid generated by using this service. BOCES aid for the 2006-07 school year was $934,975, and the aid generated by having BOCES print checks is included in this figure. While it is understandable that the Comptroller would ignore BOCES aid from a state perspective, the District is clearly acting in the best interests of District taxpayers by taking this opportunity to generate as much state aid as possible.

If any of you have questions or concerns about other aspects of the audit or the district’s response to the audit, please let me know. I believe it’s important for District employees and our taxpayers to have an honest and straight forward view of the audit.

January 6, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We will be administering the ELA State Exam to students in grades 6 on January 21st, 22nd, and 23rd and to grades 7 and 8 on January 21st and 22nd.  Make-ups will be given the week of January 26th.  The New York State tests are designed to measure how well students have mastered necessary skills and to monitor the effectiveness of instructional programs.

The purpose of the tests is to:
•    measure a student’s knowledge and overall achievement
•    measure a student’s mastery of specific skills
•    provide information to schools that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional programs
•    monitor the performance of schools and school districts for the purpose of accountability to the public

To help prepare your student for the test, I have listed the following tips for test taking that you can discuss with your child:

•    Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep.
•    Ensure your child eats a good breakfast.
•    Encourage your child to listen carefully to the directions for each test and then follow them exactly.
•    Encourage your child to look at all the answer choices before selecting one.
•    If your child is not sure about the answer to a question, they should first eliminate any choices they know are wrong and then choose an answer from among those that remain.
•    Encourage your child to pace themselves through the test and to note the time the test began.
•    Encourage your child to do their very best on the test so that their scores accurately reflect their true ability.

Sincerely,

Steven J. Malkischer
Principal

TODD MIDDLE SCHOOL
SITE BASE MEETING
November 19th, 2008

ATTENDEES:  Steven Malkischer, Kristin Talleyrand, Michelle Barnett,
Meg Banks, Tom Mulvihill, Mary-Nell Palumbo, Erin Shields,                   Mary Gugumuck, Norma Vazquez

Diversity Conference
Michelle Barnett and Norma Vasquez presented an overview of the diversity conference that they attended with Alison Travis, Julie Carter and Heidi Espinosa.  This was put on by Westchester BOCES.  There were 6 different workshops they could choose from to attend.  They would like to share what they learned about being accepting of other people regardless of their culture, religion, race, etc.  They plan to share what they learned with the faculty first and then have the faculty meet with small groups of students in homerooms.

School to Watch
It was decided that the Site Base Team will focus on one of the four major criteria at a time rather than the entire packet with Social Equity being the first.  All the Site Base Team members will continue to discuss the self-study and rating packet the faculty and the community .  Mr. Malkischer will try to get a blog set up for the Site Base Team and open it to the community at some point.

The next meeting is December 17th, 2008 at 2:30pm

TODD MIDDLE SCHOOL VETERANS DAY ASSEMBLY
NOVEMBER 14, 2008

On Friday, November 14, 2008, Todd celebrated Veterans’ Day through a building wide assembly including all of our students, teachers and community members.  Speeches on the meaning of Veterans’ Day were given by three Todd Student Government Representatives, Bridget Bunda-President, Jillian Hennessey-Vice President, and Brian Caldwell-Secretary.  1st Lieutenant Sean Tremblay was our guest speaker and spoke about his experiences serving in Iraq.  Following the assembly, a symposium was held for our 7th and 8th grade students through their social studies classes.  Students were given the opportunity to meet with five veterans, hear their stories and ask questions.  Our symposium guests included our guest speaker Sean Tremblay, Retired Todd social studies teacher Stu Glazer, Retired Spackenkill Director of Facilities Jack McCoy, Retired Todd science teacher Dick King, and current Spackenkill High School teacher Steve Wilder.
A breakfast reception followed the assembly in the Todd dining hall for Spackenkill area veterans who attended this program.  The Todd Orchestra, under the direction of Ms. Gretchen Horvath performed during the assembly and during the reception.

November 5, 2008

Dear Skiers and Riders,

It is that time of year again to get out and enjoy the winter weather.  This year the Todd Middle School ski and snow board club are going to have four trips to Belleayre Ski Area.  The dates of the trips are January 10th, January 24th, February 7th, and February 21st, 2009.

This year the cost of the coach bus is $18 per trip and you may sign up for as many trips as you would like.  Members must sign up and pay for the bus 10 days in advance.  The payment for the first trip must be in by December 17th 2008.  In an effort to fill up the bus, this year we are opening up the club to family members.  With this in mind, the bus seats are on a first come first serve basis.  We must have 42 members per trip to pay for the bus or the trip will be cancelled.  The cost of each lift ticket is $30. If you also need to rent skis or a snowboard, the total coat will be $53.  Every trip comes with a free lesson.

Please come to our informational meeting on November 19th at 7:00 PM in the Todd Middle School Dinning Hall.  I look forward to seeing all of you on the slopes.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the school. 463-7830

Thank you,

Christopher Rawls
Ski/snow board club Adviser

TODD MIDDLE SCHOOL SKI AND SNOW BOARD CLUB
2007-2008

A.    SIGN UP
1.    Parents can sign up their child at an informational meeting held at Todd Middle School in room #10 at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2008.  Parents must attend this informational meeting before their child can be signed up for the ski club.  All students are required to pay $18.00 per trip for bus transportation.  You may pay for the trips at the meeting or as the ski season goes on.  You do not have to go on all four trips.  If you want to go on one trip you may.  Payment for trips will guarantee the student a seat on the bus.  We will be accepting checks on a first come, first served basis.  Checks should be made payable to:

TODD MIDDLE SCHOOL

B.    TRANSPORTATION
1.    Transportation to and from the slopes will be on rented coaches.  Adult supervision will be provided.

2.    There will be NO refunds unless a trip is cancelled and not rescheduled.

3.   If you pay per trip, it is on a first come first serve basis.

C.    LIFT TICKETS AND LESSON FEES        (* see attached information)
1.    Money for lift tickets and lessons will be collected on the busses enroute to each trip.  Be sure to bring the exact amount.

D.    DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL TIMES
1.    All students will meet in the Todd Middle School parking lot.
2.    Busses will leave for the ski slopes at 7:00 AM sharp.  Plan to be there one-half-hour before departure.
3.    Busses will return at approximately 5:00 PM.
4.    Please be prompt in picking up your child.

E.    SKI AND SNOW BOARD INSTRUCTION
1.    Private and group lessons at the ski school will be provided at reduced costs for students taking lessons.
2.    All skiers and snow boarders MUST take a lesson on the first trip.  There will be no exceptions.

*** If a student does not succeed in learning to ski or snow board after a lesson, the student, for his/her own safety, will be expected to continue taking lessons.  More lessons will be at the recommendation of the area ski school.

F.    SNOW BOARDING
1.    Equipment:  All snow boards must have metal edges and run-away straps.
2.    Those ski club members that have snow boarding experience must have their parent verify student’s ability level and sign in the designated portion of the permission release form.
3.    Intermediate and expert levels will be allowed on slopes by purchasing a lift ticket.
4.    All beginners must take lessons.  There will be no exceptions.  The lessons will be given by the ski areas’ instructors.  Please refer to ski club agenda page for prices.
5.    All snow boarders must stay on the slopes appropriate to their ability and abide by the ski areas’ snow board regulations.

G.    PARENT PARTICIPATION
Parents who wish to join their children for a day on the slopes can pay the bus fee and ski/ride at a reduced rate.  Parents can drive to the ski area and still get the group discount.  If a parent wishes to take their child home from the ski area, the parent must give a signed release letter to Mr.Rawls before departure from Todd Middle School the day of the trip.  Children will not be released without this letter.

H.    SKI/SNOW BOARD CLUB SIGN-UP
1.    Ski Club sign-ups will be on November 19, 2008 at the informational meeting.
2.    A total of 43 seats will be available.  Make sure the ACCIDENT RELEASE FORM (page 5) is properly filled out and signed by a parent or legal guardian.  We cannot accept your bus fee if your form is not completed properly.  This form is due when you sign-up, as is your check for $18.00.

I.    AT THE SLOPES
1.    No ski/snow board club member shall leave the slopes/ski lodge area.  Your membership in the Todd Middle School Ski Club is a privilege.  Be responsible and respectful and you will enjoy yourself.

J.    CONDITIONS FOR MAINTENANCE OF SKI/SNOW BOARD CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Ski/Snow board Club is an optional activity.  All club members must conform to the rules and responsibilities set forth in this statement and the student handbooks for Todd Middle School.

SKIER’S RESPONSIBILITY CODE

There are elements of risk in skiing and snow boarding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.  The code applies to both alpine and snow board skiing.

1.    Ski under control in such a manner that you can stop or avoid other skiers or objects.  (No jumping)
2.     When skiing downhill or overtaking another skier, avoid the skier below you.
3.    You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
4.    When entering a trail or starting downhill, yield to other skiers.
5.    All skiers shall use devices to prevent runaway skis.
6.    You shall keep off closed trails and posted areas and observe all posted signs.
7.    Skiing is a positive environmental experience.  All skiers should extend every effort to care for the environment while enjoying the sport.  (Do not litter)
8.    All skiers must use proper etiquette in all lift lines.  Skipping in line or pushing others while in the line is prohibited.  Any ski club member who has his/her ticket taken by the ski patrol (returning to the bus without the ticket) shall be suspended from the ski club.
9.  Wearing a helmet is strongly suggested but not required.

BEHAVIOR

All students will follow rules established by Todd Middle School and the Spackenkill Union Free School District Board of Education.  Consult the green Todd Middle School handbook for further details.

K.    EQUIPMENT RENTAL

For those students who do not own their own equipment they will be allowed to rent equipment at the ski area.

L.  SCHEDULE

TODD MIDDLE SCHOOL SKI/SNOW BOARD CLUB

Student Name:  _________________________________________    ______________  Check #:  ____________

Birthday:  ______________________________  Grade:  _____________________  Homeroom #:  _________

Our goal is to try to expose our students to lifetime sport.  Skiing and snow boarding are great family sports, but parents must realize that it is a “High Risk Sport.”  Please sign the form below if you approve of your child skiing or snow boarding with the ski club this year.  This form needs to be signed only once to be valid all season.  Please note:  Any student dropped from the club for disciplinary reasons may be permanently excluded from the ski club without refund.

It is assumed by signature below that parents understand that the ski club will be patrons at a number of large ski resort areas.  While teacher advisors will be present and available throughout the day, the children cannot be supervised and accounted for at all times throughout the day.  The ski club will require students to use the buddy system at all times.  Students are responsible for their good behavior.

I have read the above and fully understand that skiing and snow boarding are high-risk sports and that both skiers and snow boarders are urged to wear helmets.

I hereby give my permission for my child, _______________________________________________________
(Print full legal name of child)
to join the Todd Middle School Ski Club, and to attend any or all ski trips scheduled by the club.  I also authorize the ski club chaperones to accompany ___________________________________________________
(Print full legal name of child)
to the nearest hospital in case of accident where s/he may be treated pursuant to a physician’s recommendations.

(PLEASE PRINT)  Parent’s/Guardian’s Name:  ___________________________________________________

Signature:  ___________________________________________________  Date:  _______________________

Address:  _________________________________________________________________________________
(Street)                        (Town)              (Zip code)

Phone Numbers:  _____________________________________    ____________________________________
(Home)                         (Work)

Please list any medical allergies:  ______________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Medical Insurance Company:  _____________________________________  ID #:  ______________________

Preapproval Number:  _______________________________________________________________________

What is your child’s level of skiing (circle one)?  Beginner  Intermediate  Expert

***  ADDITIONAL SNOW BOARD RELEASE  ***

All first year snow boarders must wear wrist guards.  Failure to wear wrist guards will result in a disciplinary referral.  All snow boarders are urged to wear wrist guards.

I _________________________  give my permission for my child ________________________
(Parent’s name/signature)                              (Print full legal name of child)
to snow board.

How many seasons has your child been snow boarding?  _______________

What is your child’s snow boarding level (circle one)?  Beginner   Intermediate   Expert

This year will be the inception of the Dresden Project. This is a cultural exchange with students in the German-American Club in Dresden, Germany. The exchange is being conducted via e-mails, pod casts and eventually web casting. The focus of the project is to allow our students to extend their reach outside of the community and assist others with the learning of English.
This exchange is being facilitated in Todd by sixth-grade Social Studies Teacher, Mr. Colon. In Dresden, former Spackenkill parent Frank Huebinger has made it possible to connect us with his daughter Lisa’s school and teacher, Mrs. Kittel. Lisa’s Todd experience was so rewarding that Mr. Huebinger wanted to keep ties to the school and community. Approached last Spring, Mr. Colon Lisa’s former teacher accepted to work together with Mr. Huebinger, and Mrs. Kittel to bring his core class together with those students in Dresden via technology. Mr. Colon is also being assisted in this endeavor by Mrs. Karen Vitek, Technology Specialist. Mit freundlichen Gruessen /with best regards.